Baseball

CSUN Baseball's "Maple Bar Man"

Photo by Jim Hogue, Bethune-Cookman Athletics

Mar 27, 2014

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -

Much is known about the successes of baseball assistant coach Tom Meusborn. However, very little is known about what factors contribute to his success as a coach and a as a person. Coach Meusborn was nice enough to sit down for a few minutes to share his secrets.

"Maple bars and diet soda," said Coach Meusborn. "Some people believe that maple bars, or doughnuts in general, are not healthy for a person to have every day. That doesn't make sense to me. The nutrients in the maple bar help me keep my mind sharp throughout the day. A fresh, warm maple bar is the key to success. And what better drink to wash it all down with than a diet soda? The carbonation and artificial sweetener combine for a quality refreshment."

If his response comes as a surprise to you, believe us when we say you are not alone. Most people are shocked to hear Coach Meusborn explain how maple bars and diet soda are vital to his successful coaching career. But those who know him best are not surprised at all. Head coach Greg Moore shared his thoughts without the slightest hesitation.

"He turns those two items into diesel. Apart, they are two sweets. Together and in Coach Meusborn's body, a sort of fusion takes place. At the core of how he does it is the key to America's energy independence. One day I see cars and planes running on Meusborn fuel, a hybrid of diet soda and maple bar extract," explained Coach Moore.

After listening to Coach Moore's explanation, it appeared Coach Meusborn was onto something revolutionary. This could potentially be an answer to the oil crisis across the globe. Coach Meusborn may have looked the problem right in the face and created a solution to help save the world. A true American and Global hero. Coach Meusborn's response to the idea was, "It probably would, yes."

He went on to tell a story about a game that still haunts him to this day. "It was the first league game back in the spring of the 1998 season. For the first time ever, I didn't have a maple bar or a diet soda at some point before the game. We were the visiting team and we were playing at night under the lights. We were holding on to a two-run lead heading into the bottom of the inning. Our pitcher hit the first guy. Not ideal but we felt alright about it. He then struck out the next guy before giving up a bloop single."

He paused for a few seconds and started to shake his head. It was clear that he was still bothered by that game to this very day.

"My assistant coach asked if we wanted to put in our 90-mph arm who was ready to go down in the bullpen into the game. I hesitated and couldn't make up my mind. I started to wonder if my mind was shutting down on me due to not having a maple bar and diet soda. The next pitch was a three-run home run. We lost."

Coach Meusborn began to put his head down and had a blank stare on his face as he sat in silence for about two minutes. Every few seconds he would kick himself as it appeared he was playing the decision, or lack thereof, over and over in his mind.

"Since that Tuesday game on March 30th in 1998, not a day went by where I didn't have a maple bar and diet soda." When asked about how the 1998 season ended, a huge smile appeared on Coach Meusborn's face. "We won the Championship."

Coach Meusborn had a final nugget to share that says a lot about the man and mentor he is.

"Most people dip their doughnuts in coffee. Not me, man. I dip my maple bar in an ice-cold diet soda."

Come out this Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. to watch the Matadors take on Long Beach State in the opening series of Big West Conference play. And if you can remember, maybe bring a maple bar and diet soda for Coach Meusborn.